There’s only so much a box of bath salts can do to relieve stress. When life gets to be a bit tough to handle, a full-service spa is just the thing to polish and pamper you back into a state of well-being.
The county’s newest luxury spa takes its name from the Ohlone people’s name for their home of Monterey. Accista (ah-KEY-stah), the Hyatt’s 12,000-square-foot sanctuary, draws inspiration from the landscape and local history, and pampers guests with indigenously inspired treatments and natural ingredients – like organic seaweed, Pacific sea salt, acorn, artichoke, fennel, cypress and juniper. Panoramic windows bring the outdoors in, and amenities include sauna, steam, waterfall showers, relaxation areas, outdoor swimming pool and whirlpools, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a full-service salon. Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa, 1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, 372-1234 http://www.monterey.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/index.jsp
This new addition to the spa scene infuses traditional pampering with the the element of water. Customers can try water-based treaments such as WaterDance and Watsu (forms of aqua therapy promoting rehabilitation and emotional release), aqua yoga and private therapeutic soaks. Aqua Wellness also offers traditional spa services performed with eco-friendly products. 1199 Forest Ave., Suite 1, Pacific Grove, 643-AQUA, http://www.aquawellnessdayspa.com
Located in charming Oldtown Salinas, Aquablue offers a stylish environment and results-oriented therapies. There’s something to it: The spa itself and owner/massage therapist Frank Savino are frequent Best of Monterey County winners. The spa also provides a serene relaxation room and a dry-heat sauna. 229 Main St., Salinas, 422-2500, http://www.aquabluespa.com
The name is deceptive, as The Art of Massage offers patrons much more than massages, including Aveda rubdowns and body treatments. This spa services the entire body and spirit – with such confidence that it offers a guarantee of satisfaction. 498 Foam St., Monterey, 375-3299, http://www.massagehairandskincare.com
A delightful spa experience awaits inside the Marriott Hotel. Escape Day Spa offers customers a wide variety of ways to relax, from ayurvedic facials to symphony massages. Monterey Marriott, 350 Calle Principal, Monterey, 655-1300, http://www.montereyescape.com
Located in Carmel’s historic La Playa Hotel,
Garden Spa provides exceptional personal care in a serene setting. The spa specializes in massage, facials and reflexology, a technique based on the ancient knowledge of energy meridians that link the feet to the rest of the body. La Playa Hotel, Camino Real and Eighth, Carmel, 277-3279, http://www.laplayahotel.com
This newer addition offers facials, massage, pedicures, manicures, waxing and hair styling in an atmosphere designed to ensure relaxation. 397 Calle Principal, Monterey, 372-0888; 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, 655-1685, http://www.montereyggsspasalon.com
Treat yourself to a facial, mani-pedi and/or massage at this quintessentially Carmel spa specializing in couples massage. Let the stress melt away, and walk out refreshed and ready to take on all that Carmel-By-the Sea has to offer. Morgan Court, Lincoln St. & Ocean, Carmel, 626-4100, http://www.kushincarmel.com
Relax your muscles with hydrothermal therapy ancient-Greek style. Heat-up in the gorgeous sauna or eucalyptus steam room then take the plunge into one of two pools – cooled to either Pacific Ocean or Arctic stream temps. Ride out the rush in zero-gravity relaxation chairs, and recover in big hot pools between sculpted waterfalls. Repeat. 27300 Rancho San Carlos Road, Carmel, 620-7360, http://www.refuge.com
Remodeled just a year ago, Revive is making a name for itself in Moss Landing and beyond with deep tissue massages, European facials, body wraps and yoga classes. A professional team of dermatologists, yoga instructors and estheticians await. 8022 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing. 633-6019, http://www.gorevivespa.com
Sano means healthy. It also means the newest addition to the local spa community, a place defined by customized treatments and exceptional service, delivering far more than mani-pedis – think massage, facials and jacuzzi soaking in the garden patio. The complete experience is ideal for bridal parties, or anyone seeking a bit of renewal, bride-to-be or not. 700 Munras Ave., Monterey, 372-1829, http://www.sanospamonterey.com
Nestled high among the coastal oaks, Spa Aiyana offers treatments featuring the dozens of florals, herbs, and botanicals that dot the Carmel Valley Ranch landscape. Guests can indulge in nature’s bounty with treatments such as the Lavender Garden Swedish massage, Orange Blossom and Marigold body scrub, Coastal Calm and Cleanse facial and Herb Garden mani and pedi. 1 Old Ranch Road, Carmel, 626-2586, http://www.carmelvalleyranch.com
Monterey’s original luxury spa recently completed a remodel and expansion and now boasts more than 6,000 square feet of spa, health and fitness services. Along with a full menu of services – like the anti-aging tropical wrap and papaya enzyme facial, and warm riverstone massage – the Spa on the Plaza also offers guests complimentary use of its fitness center, showers, whirlpool and plunge pool. 201 Alvarado St., Monterey, 647-9000, http://www.spaontheplaza.com
A local favorite, Soleil treats every customer like royalty, offering skin care, waxing and hair care fit for a queen. After the beautification, a therapeutic deep-tissue or Swedish massage banishes any lingering stress. The elegant setting and welcoming atmosphere hooks many Monterey County residents for life. 300 Foam St., Monterey, 656-9510.
Located in the heart of Del Monte Forest, The Spa at Pebble Beach is a gorgeous 22,000-square-foot, full-service spa. Choosing between the Palermo – a papaya-pineapple enzyme scrub, followed by a hydrating propolis wrap and warm kukui coconut oil scalp massage – and signature massage, which incorporates tension-releasing LaStone massage techniques with warm sculpted stones, can make anyone indecisive; luckily, the spa’s professional staff will step in to help. 1518 Cypress Drive, Pebble Beach, 649-7615, http://www.pebblebeach.com/the-spa-at-pebble-beach
Overlooking the coast of Big Sur, The Spa at Ventana offers one of the most spectacular views in California. The gorgeous scenery is rivaled only by the treatments, which embrace the magical essence of Big Sur through the use of nature’s healing gifts. Lose yourself in the fragrance of wild mountain lavender and other botanical essences. Ventana Inn, Highway 1, Big Sur, 667-4222, http://www.ventanainn.com
Located on Cannery Row and offering a gorgeous view of the coast, this is an unforgettable place to unwind. Enjoy a spa lunch on the outdoor sun deck, complete with fireplace, soak in a lavender rose bath and purify with a metabolic detox body treatment. Everything – from massage to facials and wraps – can be tailored to individuals’ or couples’ preferences. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, 646-1700, 800-334-3999, http://www.montereyplazahotel.com
